Workin' Man Blues
Merle Haggard
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It's a big job just gettin' by with nine kids and a wife But I've been a workin' man dang near all of my life And I'll keep on workin' long as my two hands are fit to use I'll drink a little beer in a tavern and sing a little bit of these workin' man blues Sometimes I think about leavin' do a little bummin' around I want to throw my bills out the window catch a train to another town I go back workin' I gotta buy my kids a brand new pair of shoes I'll get a little bit stoned this weekend and cry a little bit of these workin' man blues I said hey hey workin' man workin' man like me I ain't never been on welfare and that's one place I won't be I'll be back workin' as long as my two hands are fit to use I'll get a little bit stoned this weekend and sing a little bit of these workin' man blues
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Written by: MERLE HAGGARD
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist Background"Workin' Man Blues" was performed by American country artist, Merle Haggard. Haggard is also a songwriter, guitarist, and fiddler, known for his contributions to the Bakersfield Sound, a country music sub-genre.
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Song Release"Workin' Man Blues" was released in May 1969 as the lead single from his album "A Portrait of Merle Haggard."
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Chart PerformanceThe classic song hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks, making it Haggard's sixth No.1 on the U.S. country singles chart.
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Song GenreClassified under the Bakersfield Sound sub-genre of country music, "Workin' Man Blues" is known for featuring electric guitar and pedal steel guitar, with an upbeat rhythm compared to traditional country music.
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Song Meaning"Workin' Man Blues" is a tribute to the core values of the hard-working, blue-collar American living, reflecting Merle Haggard's own experiences growing up.
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Song LegacyThis song has since been covered by several artists, including country singers Lee Roy Parnell and Albert Lee, showing its enduring appeal.
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Notable LyricsNotably, the song includes the lyrics, "I ain't never been on welfare, that's one place I won't be". This line aligned Haggard with the Silent Majority who felt the same during the time period it was released and helped to popularize his music among that audience.
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SongwritingHaggard was inspired to write "Workin' Man Blues" due in part to his own background of manual labor jobs before he made it big in country music.
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CertificationIn recognition of Merle Haggard’s contribution to country music and the popularity of "Workin' Man Blues," he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
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AccoladesMerle Haggard won various awards throughout his career, showcasing the huge impact of songs like "Workin' Man Blues" within the country music scene. These include Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 1970 and Academy of Country Music’s Top Male Vocalist in 1965, 1966, 1969, and 1970.
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"Workin' Man Blues Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 3 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34535983/Merle+Haggard/Workin%27+Man+Blues>.
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